As an avenue to contribute to policy development towards enhancing better management of the Agric and Rural sector in Nigeria, the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, Kwara State is set to host the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as he delivers a lecture, entitled, 'Managing agriculture as a business to unlock Nigeria's agricultural potentials'.

According to a release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the institute, Mayowa Gidado, and made available to newsmen in Ilorin, Chief Obasanjo would be the chief lecturer at an event marking the 16th Annual Lecture Programme of the institute.

He said the programme, which signifies the official commencement of the Training Year of ARMTI, would also serve to brainstorm on and address identified topical issues in the sector.
The ARMTI also said the programme, slated for March 21, is expected to attract policy makers, practitioners, academics and key stakeholders.

"Incidentally, Chief Obasanjo would be making a return after 30 years, as he delivered the very first in the annual lecture series in 1982 on the topic "Management in agriculture and rural development - A practitioner's view'.

The Lecture series has also attracted several notable personalities like Maj.Gen Agbazika Innih, Rear Admiral Murtala Nyako, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Dr Ishrait Hussain (of the World Bank), Prof Oladapo Afolabi (as Head of Service of the Federation), and Dr Garnet Brown (from Jamaica, First D.G. ARMTI), among others.

The programme would also have in attendance the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,  Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who will also be the chief host and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, who would be the special guest of honour.